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New funding for monument

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In a second announcement by Indian Affairs Minister Andy Scott, the National Aboriginal Veterans Association will receive $100,000.

Of the funding, $50,000 will go towards the completion of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa. Four bronze panels depicting the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and peacekeeping will be set into the monument granite base.

Originally announced in 1996, the monument was unveiled June 21, 2001, National Aboriginal Day, but it wasn't complete.

First Nations threaten court action over salmon

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There is outrage at environment Minister Stephane Dion and Fisheries Minister Geoff Regan for their recommendation not to list Cultus and Sakinaw sockeye salmon as species at risk.

The First Nations Summit and BC Aboriginal Fisheries Commission say they will take the federal government to court if the federal cabinet decides in favor of this recommendation in January 2005.

Medicine wheel offers road map for healing journey

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For the past six years Glen McCallum has been using his own experience with addictions and healing to help other people come to terms with their pasts and their problems and to chart their own course toward wellness.

McCallum is president and counsellor associate at Building A Nation Inc., an organization that provides counselling services in the Saskatoon area. But before he began working to help people deal with their demons he had to deal with many demons of his own.

MADD launches campaign to get its message out

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With the holiday season fast approaching, festive spirits will no doubt be flowing. With that in mind, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has launched its Project Red Ribbon campaign, which will run from Nov. 1 to Jan. 3.

MADD is asking drivers to "Tie One on for Safety" by attaching a red ribbon onto a visible location on their vehicle to remind other drivers to drive sober. A red ribbon honours those injured or killed in accidents caused by people who drove while impaired.

Drew Ross focuses on his abilities, not disabilities

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Drew Ross never forgets a voice. He's at the Prince Albert Wal-Mart store, helping the Salvation Army by ringing a set of bells and thanking people who drop a donation in the Christmas kettle. Many of the shoppers greet Drew by name and he responds in kind. The 23-year-old Lac La Ronge Indian Band member has a whole lot of names to keep track of, since his outgoing personality guarantees he'll make friends wherever he goes.

Police officer honoured for dedication to community

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A working life devoted to protecting and enhancing his community has garnered a Regina police officer a prestigious award from an Aboriginal organization.

At the end of October Women of the Dawn presented Regina Police Services (RPS) Cpl. Jim Pratt with an award honoring his service to Saskatchewan's Aboriginal community.

"I was very honoured to receive that," said Pratt. "I was humbled.

Initiative lets band members own their own home

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Members of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) now have an opportunity to own their own homes, thanks to a unique housing program designed to tackle the problem of housing shortages on reserve.

Members of the LLRIB are spread out among six communities-La Ronge, Hall Lake, Sucker River, Grandmother's Bay, Stanley Mission and Little Red River reserve-with a total on-reserve population of around 7,700. Unfortunately, said LLRIB Chief Harry Cook, there are currently only about 1,100 homes within those communities.

2005 the Year of First Nations and Metis Women

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Following the lead of the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) the Saskatchewan government announced on Nov. 29 that 2005 will be the Year of First Nations and Metis Women.

The MLA for Kelvington-Wadina, June Draude, introduced the bill to the legislature with the support of members from the PAGC and FSIN who attended the assembly.